Access to airport lounges

Foreign airlines generally don't offer them, but U.S. airlines offer day passes so people can try airport lounges. Delta Sky Club ($50), United Club ($39 online), US Airways ($29) and American Admirals Club ($50) sell access to the lounge for a day. You can buy the pass ahead of time or when you get to the airport.

Buy a 30- or 90-day pass: American has a 30-day pass for $99. Delta has one for $90, which includes as many as two guests. US Airways has a 120-day pass for $120.

Join Priority Pass: It gets you into 600 airport lounges around the world; join for $99 a year and pay $27 every time you use a lounge. Or pay $399 a year for unlimited lounge visits. Some airlines such as Delta don't belong to this program. prioritypass.com

Get an upscale credit card: Some cards give you lounge access, such as the American Express Platinum Card ($450 a year). Ameriprise World Elite MasterCard ($150 a year) and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card ($450 a year). Diners Club International was sold to the Bank of Montreal and is not taking applications for new cards in the U.S.

Join the club: Delta, United, US Airways and American charge an annual fee ranging from $450-$500. That includes unlimited visits to that airline's lounges, plus limited access to SkyTeam or Star Alliance partner airline lounges around the world.